ArizonaVoters would decide on exempting eligible groceries from local taxes
Voters would decide whether local governments could tax items eligible for food assistance or nutrition benefits for women, infants, and children, regardless of who buys them.
What it does
With voter approval and the governor’s proclamation, local governments could not tax food or other items eligible for the covered assistance programs, even when buyers do not qualify for assistance.
Argument forIf approved, shoppers could avoid local taxes on eligible groceries even when they do not qualify for food assistance.
Argument againstIf approved, exempting eligible items for all buyers could reduce revenue for cities and towns that tax those sales.
More detail
Local governments would be barred from charging sales or similar taxes on items eligible for purchase through either covered assistance program. The exemption covers food and other items eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children. The measure would become law only with voter approval and the governor’s proclamation. Buyers would not need to qualify for either assistance program. Local governments could still tax other food sales under the section’s rules. The Secretary of State would submit the measure at the next general election. The act says it applies retroactively to taxable periods beginning on or after the first day of the month following its general effective date.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 13House First Reading.Introduced
Taxes & Budget